Updated Discount List for UPSE Members

July 16, 2015

Message from President - Call for Action

July 14, 2015

UPSE Members
Anyone able to come out and support our brothers and sisters from the Canadian Postal Workers Union.
They would love to have the support to save door to door mail delivery, and important jobs for islanders and our economy.
Debbie

Brothers & Sisters:
The Summerside Local of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers Local 129 will be hosting a meet and greet with National CUPW President Mike Palecek and an information session on saving door to door and home mail delivery. This will take place on Saturday, July 18 from 2:30 p.m. until 4 p.m. at Spinnakers Landing.

Save Canada Post Rally - Meet Mike Palecek

July 13, 2015

Meet and Greet for new National President for CUPW, Mike Palecek, Saturday July 18, 2015 at 5pm. Joe Ghiz Park

Latest Accent

July 3, 2015

It's Time to Work Together on Retirement Security!

July 3, 2015

President Bovyer comments about the importance of expanding the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). An increasing number of seniors in this country are retiring in debt and facing bankruptcy. Expanding the CPP is the best way to ensure retirement security for all Canadians (read more).

Rally Against Teacher Cuts, June 30 at 4:00 p.m.

June 29, 2015

Members of UPSE
I encourage anyone who has the free time to attend this rally in support of the Teachers of PEI
Our children attending these schools are our future.
Good jobs in PEI stimulate the economy and support Island small business.
Debbie Bovyer

2015 Police & Peace Officers Memorial Service in Ottawa

June 22, 2015

This is the 18th year that UPSE and the Community & Correctional Services Division will co-sponsor attendance at the Police and Peace Officers Memorial Service in Ottawa. This service provides an opportunity for professional development, networking, and honouring fallen colleagues. Six UPSE members will be selected from Custody, Probation Officers, and the sheriff's department to attend

Latest Accent

June 19, 2015

Proposed changes to the Income Tax Act

June 12, 2015

President Bovyer supports the proposed changes to the Income Tax Act which will help lower income Islanders. She also talks about tax fairness and how governments are beginning to shift tax increases to corporations and the wealthy.

June 9, 2015

Latest Accent

June 8, 2015

Public Service Week is June 14 – 20. Public services make a better life possible for families in PEI. The union has issued a call for nominations for a Director position in Local 12. The nomination deadline is July 3, 2015.

Latest Accent

May 14, 2015

May 1 - International Workers' Day/May Day

April 30, 2015

May 1st is International Workers’ Day. Thousands of working people and their families will participate in rallies and parades to mark this important day, and millions of other workers across the world will celebrate May 1st as their Labour Day.

International Workers' Day celebrates the achievements of the labour movement. Some of these include the establishment of employment standards, occupational health and safety legislation, and collective bargaining rights for employees.

It is important to recognize the achievements of working people and acknowledge that there is still work to be done. International Workers Day reminds us to stand together in solidarity with working people in our province, country and throughout the world.

Latest Accent

April 28, 2015

UPSE calls for nominations for Directors in odd numbered locals and for 1st and 3rd Vice-President. The union is also holding two upcoming educationals - Welcome to UPSE and Steward Level 1

Connect Hearing has partnered with
EPIC Hearing Healthcare

April 23, 2015

Please see the attached brochure to see more information on our members' discounts available through Connect Hearing

Latest Accent

April 21, 2015

In this edition of The Accent the union issues a call for tenders regarding grass cutting services, seeks member input on enhancing communications, and prompts everyone to attend the Day of Mourning ceremony on April 28 (read more).

April 16, 2015

The Guardian publication by Nigel Armstrong

The P.E.I. Federation of Labour hosted a leaders debate Wednesday with half the leaders missing. Wade MacLauchlan and Rob Lantz did not attend the debate at Murchison Centre in Charlottetown. Mike Redmond, leader of the NDP and Peter Bevan-Baker for the Greens were there. Close to 200 people packed into the space tightened with a rolling wall divider to give a sense of a full turnout.

The lack of Progressive Conservative or Liberal leaders was matched by no showing of candidates from those parties in the audience, except for Richard Brown, incumbent Liberal candidate for district 12: Charlottetown - Victoria Park. When he slipped into the back, late, he got a big wave from Mike Redmond, leader of the NDP.

Carl Pursey, chair of the federation, opened and closed the evening bemoaning the lack of attendance from the Liberal and PC leaders. He said emails of invitation were sent to all parties. "Notice went out the 13th of last month," said Pursey. "They are saying they didn't know that we are having it. "I heard one fellow is scared of it and doesn't like debating and apparently both of them are new people and they don't know about labour," said Pursey. "Maybe they are scared of coming." "We have been doing it for 19 years now," he said. "I don't know if it's a sign of cuts to come and they are scared to face us, or what it is."

The event was not intimidating. Bevan-Baker began his opening address seated at the front table until Pursey whispered to him to stand at the podium. Bevan-Baker took off his sport jacket, then rolled up just one sleeve of his dress shirt. Lori MacKay got up, wearing a red shirt, to read a question about encouraging unionization on P.E.I. "Wrong colour shirt," joked Redmond, prompting Pursey to lean over and point out Redmond's blue shirt under his orange tie.

In answering the prepared questions read by members of the federation board, Bevan-Baker made continuous reference to the Green Party's full platform document released March 20 with all the supportive answers to things like creating jobs with sustainable businesses, calling for no interest on student loans, opposing cuts to postal service and backing away from an austerity mind-set.

Redmond responded to many questions with references to the need to open the books on hot files like e-gaming to make sure tax money is available for programs in support of ordinary people. Redmond also repeated through the night that he and the NDP have been out supporting workers and their fights on many issues for years now. "Our actions define us," said Redmond. "Words, are just that."

Message from President Bovyer - Leaders' Debate

April 13, 2015

Dear Members,

I encourage you to attend the upcoming Leaders’ Debate hosted by the PEI Federation of Labour. The debate is scheduled for Wednesday, April 15 at 7:00 p.m. in the Murchison Centre (17 St. Pius X Avenue, Charlottetown). The PEI Federation of Labour has hosted the debate for the past 19 years to ensure that issues affecting the Island work force are discussed during election times. The debate affords the leaders of the political parties an opportunity to voice their support for labour and explain their positions on key issues affecting Islanders.

At this point, the leaders of both the Liberal and PC parties have indicated that they will not be attending the debate. Unless there is some change, it looks like only the leaders of the NDP and the Green Party will attend. This is unfortunate, as it sends a message to labour that the concerns of working Islanders are not important. All four leaders have attended other debates recently, including events held by the Chamber of Commerce, the Tourism Industry Association of PEI, and the PEI Home and School Federation.

The Leaders’ Debate on Labour is an important event and I hope to see you there on Wednesday night. In the meantime, let’s keep encouraging all four leaders to attend. The more discussion and participation we can generate for the upcoming debate will enhance the democratic process in PEI.

Thanks,
Debbie Bovyer

President, UPSE

Leader's Debate Wednesday April 15th

April 9, 2015

There will be a very important Leader’s Debate on Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at the Murchison Centre hosted by the PEI Federation of Labour.

All members welcome to attend

CPS-NISIG 1/2 day Workshop

April 7, 2015

We extend a warm welcome to join us at Queen
Elizabeth Hospital in beautiful Charlottetown,
PEI, on Wednesday, May 20, 2015, @ 1-4 pm
for the Pain Assessment and Management Workshop.

14th Annual Provincial Day of Mourning

March 31, 2015

Everyone is invited to attend the Day of Mourning Ceremony on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at Memorial Hall. Let’s join together to remember workers who were injured or lost their lives on Island work sites.

Latest Accent

March 19, 2015

Atlantic Labour School

March 9, 2015

UPSE is calling for members to
attend the Atlantic Labour School
held at St. Francis Xavier University
in Antigonish, Nova Scotia from
May 31 to June 5, 2015.

UPSE members in good standing are eligible to apply. Application forms are available here, or by calling the union office at 902-892-5335, toll free at 1-800-897-8773, or by email at peiupse@peiupse.ca. The application deadline is 4:00 p.m. on April 17, 2015.

Migration Forum

March 5, 2015

Islanders know what it’s like to have to leave home for work. We’ve been doing it for generations. Today, unable to make ends meet on the Island, more and more Islanders are migrating for work while their homes remain on PEI. Many of these workers send money home to support their families.

PEI has also seen a rise in international migrant workers working in the Island’s fields, fish plants, and many other industries. Facing many of the same pressures as the Islanders who go west, these workers come to PEI as temporary foreign workers, seeking higher wages to send home to their families in their home countries.

The forum will connect the stories of these two groups of workers. The forum will include presentations about the economic forces and government policies that are contributing to the rise of forced labour migration globally and on PEI. Presentations will be followed by group discussions and a chance for temporary foreign workers, Island workers, and other community members to share personal stories about the causes and impacts of leaving home for work.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
Islanders who have worked out west
Islanders with family and friends working out west
Temporary foreign workers
Local decision-makers
Curious community members

Who Watches the Watchers: Bill C-51 goes too far

February 26, 2015

As the federal government tries to push through Bill C-51, the Anti-terrorism Act, by limiting debate from expert witnesses and in the House of Commons, the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is releasing its response to the legislation. (read more)

Latest Accent

February 25, 2015

UPSE commends Heavy Equipment Operators who braved the elements during the Islander Day blizzard to clear roads across PEI; and the Public Service Commission issues a call for nominations for the 2015 Douglas MacMaster Memorial OH&S award.

OH&S and Local 2 Meetings Cancelled this evening

February 25, 2015

Please note that the Local 2 Meeting scheduled for 6:30 pm this evening at Maplewood Manor and the Occupational Health and Safety Meeting for 6:00 at the UPSE Office are both cancelled for this evening due to the weather forecast.

Both meetings will be rescheduled for a future date

Dorsey Decision

February 24, 2015

Read about the recent arbitration decision in Nova Scotia and watch President Joan Jessome’s (NSGEU) interview with reporters on Feb. 20, 2015.

The arbitrator James Dorsey’s decision on the labour representation portion of Bill 1 (the Health Authorities Act), refers to the fundamental nature of employee independent choice, which was affirmed in a judgment by a majority of the Supreme Court of Canada. In his decision, Dorsey states that “It is not the government’s choice, but the employees’ choice which union will best represent their interests in collective bargaining.”

Canadians urge federal government to take a meaningful international stand on the right to strike

February 19, 2015

“The Canadian government has made us proud many times for taking leading international stands for basic human decency and dignity, and we’re confident that it will do so again by strongly supporting the right to strike during next month’s ILO meeting," says NUPGE National President James Clancy. (Read More)

Latest Accent

February 12, 2015

UPSE job opportunity – Temporary Resource and Organizing Officer – Open only to members of the Union of Public Sector Employees (read more)

We don’t have to live with income and wealth inequality

February 9, 2015

President Bovyer talks about how government can generate more revenue through tax fairness (read more).

National Union 2015 Scholarships

Attached please find information and application forms for our 2015 National Union Scholarships for the children / grandchildren of current / retired members. The application forms are also available in French.

Latest edition of The Advocate

February 4, 2015

Local 1 Meeting January 28, 2015 CANCELLED

January 28, 2015

Meeting will be rescheduled to another date

REITs take huge profit out of PEI

January 26, 2015

P.E.I., meet Capreit, a $3 billion, publicly-traded, multi-national that within the last 15 months has become one of our biggest residential landlords. Did I mention they pay no income tax? Please keep this in mind when you are preparing your tax returns, to satisfy your own obligations. (read more)

Local 16 Meeting January 27, 2015 CANCELLED

January 26, 2015

Meeting will be rescheduled to another date

A Tribute to Louis Fournier, A Friend to All

January 26, 2015

Just before Christmas, long-time NUPGE activist Louis Fournier died from cancer. The friendly native of northern New Brunswick was a lifelong crusader for social justice and had been involved in the trade union movement since he became a youth-care worker and OPSEU member in the early 1990s. Over the past couple of years, many of you might have had a chance to meet Louis during the East Coast leg of the Fairness Express tour or during the CLC’s Convention in Montreal in May. NUPGE National President James Clancy was close to Louis. Please see the memorial that James wrote about his friend (the document contains both English and French versions).

Murphy's Pharmacies and Epic Hearing now part of the MHCSI Preferred Pharmacy Provider Program

January 15, 2015

Murphy's Pharmacies and Epic Hearing are now part of the MHCSI Preferred Pharmacy Provider Program. Please use your existing card and present it or if you have not yet signed up, please go to www.mhcsi.ca/enroll/ and use Group Name PEIUPSE and password PEI69123.

By using the MHCSI participating preferred pharmacies, you will save money on the overall cost of your drug benefit expenses. Please note:You must also present your Primary drug card (if applicable, and / or any other drug card you may also have {on a spousal plan}, for example) to the pharmacy. This program does not replace your Primary drug card, but offers you supplementary coverage to your primary plan.

UPSE Office closing early on Friday January 16, 2015

January 15, 2015

Please be advised that our office will close at 4:00pm on Friday January 16, 2015 for our staff to attend the wake of Blair Weeks' father, Myron Weeks.

CLC Election Preparation Conference

January 15, 2015

Federal Election 2015 is fast approaching and we want to make sure that workers’ concerns are well represented in the discussions and outcomes.

Office Closure

January 13, 2015

The PEI UPSE Office will close effective 1:30 pm due to weather and road conditions. Sorry for any inconvenience.

PEI UPSE Bursary Winners for 2014

January 7, 2015

Each year, UPSE proudly awards a scholarship and nine bursaries to students attending college or university. UPSE believes in the power of education, and understands the importance of working towards a degree or professional designation. UPSE’s bursary and scholarship program helps reduce some of the economic burden that students face. Jillian MacIntyre is the winner of the Laurie Jenkins Scholarship for 2014 valued at $1000. Jonathan Murphy is the winner of the Julie MacKay Bursary for 2014 valued at $500. All other bursaries are valued at $500.

CBC Turkey Drive

January 6, 2015

On behalf of The Board of Directors and Executive, we are pleased to announce that PEI UPSE donated 28 turkeys to the CBC Turkey Drive this past December. Thank you to Larkin Bros. for supplying these turkeys for us

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